Earth anchor



C. L. EMRY EARTH ANCHOR Dec. 31, 1935.

Filed Ju`1y 5, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Z Ma@ Z f s 5 3 5 6 5 9 4 u 5 3 o m w 2 11m m ,^\\\J \l \\h Ill/1 0 Q 72 Z o 3 2 i 2 6 m 2 1 6 H 4 7 4 f s 1 5 1/ was a 5 6 64 3 6 4 V ,L Q 'P l 1| 1 l, Q il. 6 d 7 l 8 6 6 1- 3 53 N z 3 m C. L. EMRY EARTH ANCHOR Dec. 3l', 1935.

C. L. EMRY EARTH ANCHOR Dec. 31, 1935.

Filed July 5, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 immer CL YoE L. EM/eY (7M: @MM

AT Tof/vs YJ Patented Dec. 31, 1935 t STATE 'E GFFICE EARTH ANCHOR Application July 5, 1934, Serial No. 733,711

17 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in expansible earth anchors, for guy rods, to which bracing wires for telegraph poles orvlike devices are secured.

Objects of the invention are: To provide a device in which substantially all the parts can be made by casting without necessity for anymachining operations; to provide a broad anchoring surface by means of two leaves; to provide a shape of anchoring leaf which facilitates anchoring entry into the earth; to provide rugged or strong pivotal connections for the broad anchoring leaves which permit quick assembly and disassembly; to provide means for preventing accidental disconnection of the pivotal connections of the leaves; to provide means for preventingcollapse of the leaves from anchoring position, in case of failure of certain of the pivoting connections; to provide means whereby an attachment for an auxiliary guy rod can be easily assembled and made a part of the anchoring device; and to provide novel details of construction. and arrangement of the parts.

Features of the invention include all details of construction as well as the broader ideas of means inherent in the disclosure.

Objects, features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description of the drawings forming a part of this application, and in said drawings Figure 1 is a side elevation partly in section showing the device in collapsed position ready to be introduced into a hole in the ground;

Figure 2 is a vertical central section of the de vice of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a View similar to Figure 2 with the device in anchoring position;

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a transverse section on line 5-5 of Figure 3 illustrating the pivotal connection of the leaves with the slide;

Figure 6 is a bottom plan partly in section i1- lustrating the pivotal connections for the leaves and the slide;

Figure '7 is a section on line IV-'l of Figure 6` (Cl. 18S-92) has on that face which is the lower face when 10 the device/ is in use, a pair of bearings, axially aligned lengthwise of the slide, one at each opposite side of the rod, see Figure 6. The bearings are respectively indicated at 8, 9. Two anchor leaves, herein referred to as leaves, are detachably connected with the bearings and are adapted to be spread to the position shown in Figures 3 and 4, to perform the anchoring function. The construction of the hinged connection is a feature. V

Each leaf has a pair f trunnions one engaged with each bearing, see Figure4 6, the bearings and trunnions being so .arranged that the trunnions can be engaged therewith by motion in an axial direction. One of the leaves is. indicated at I0 and the other at Il. The bearings are spaced a substantial distance apart conformably toi the substantial transverse width of the leaves. The structure of the leaf is also a feature, this structure facilitating earth cutting and leafspreading actions.

The leaves are dished and their concave sides face downwardly when the device is in use. From the concave face of each leaf project parallel longitudinal ribs I2-I3, each extendingbeyond 35 the inner edge of the leaf and each having pro'- jecting therefrom a trunnion. The trunnions are respectively indicated at Ill--I 5, point in the same direction, and are axially aligned. The trunnions are engaged with the bearings by axial 40 Y motion from Vpositions laterally o'f the bearings. Trunnion I4 of leaf I0 operates in the inside portion of bearing 8 and trunnion I5 in the o'utside portion of bearing 9. The trunnion I4 of the leaf II operates in the inside portion ofbearing 9, and trunnion I5 in the outside portion of bearing 8. The leaves are introduced into operative position by motions in opposite directions. A trunnion of each leaf is operatively engaged with the same bearing.

Means in part carried by the slide and in part carried by each leaf are provided for preventing accidental disengagement of the trunnions from the bearings following operative engagement with said bearings. This means is effective afterv swinging a leaf from an angular position which the leaf never thereafter occupies when the device is in use, following operative engagement of the trunnions with the bearings.

Referring to Figures 6, 7, and 8:

Projecting from the lower surface of the slide are lugs 2|, 22 one at each opposite side of and adjacent the guy rod openings 20, each lug is spaced inwardly from its corresponding bearing and lies in axial alignment therewith and is adapted toi act as a stop to prevent sufficient lateral motion of the corresponding leaf to allow disengagement of the trunnions. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the outermost surface 25 of each lug is disposed at an angle to the surface 25 of the slide. This angle for lug 2l is shown by line A--A of Figure 7. The angle for lug 22 is indicated at B-B and slants in an opposite direction from that of lug 2l These angular surfaces lie at a level slightly below the axis of the trunnions. Each leaf (or one of the reenforcing rib or trunnion-carrying elements) is provided at its inner edge with a projection having a surface indicated at 27, which is disposed in nearly diametric relation to the axis of the trunnions. The surfaces 25 and 21 are so related to one another and to the trunnions as to allow sufficient clearance for axial motion to bearingengaging position. Each surface 27 is disposed at an angle to line C-C passing through the rotative axis of the leaf and lying approximately between the surfaces of greatest area of the leaf. To operatively engage the trunnions with the bearings, see Figure 7, the slide is turned bottom upward, as shown. The leaf I0, fo'r example, is then brought to the position shown with its concave face facing in direction of the bearing side of the slide, and at such an angle that the surfaces 25-21 are parallel. This position of the leaf is one which it will never occupy when the device is in use.' The leaf is then moved axially to operatively engage the trunnions with the bearings, after which the leaf is swung in the direction of the arrow D to the position shown in Figure 8, at the opposite side of the slide. The other leaf Il is similarly manipulated, but is first brought to the position represented by the line C1-C1. The trunnions are then engaged in the bearings by axial motion and then the leaf is swungl in the direction of arrow E to the position sho'wn in Figure '7. It will be seen later that because of the arrangement of the connecting elements for moving the leaves to and from anchoring position, it will be impossible for the leaves to move to any position which would allow accidental disengagement of the trunnions.

Y The guy rod is now passed through the openings 20 of the slide, and the means for causing the leaves to spread to anchoring position as the slide is translated on the rod are assembled and connected. This means includes, see Figures 2 and 3, a sleeve 3U slidable on the rod. The lower end of the sleeve abuts the nut 4 as a stop. Each leaf is provided on its concave side with a pair of perforated lugs 32, see also Figure 4, the perforations being axially aligned for the reception of a pivot pin. The sleeve is also provided with a pair of perforated lugs 33 flanked by sockets 40, see FigureV 1. Links, one arranged ateach side of the sleeve 3|), are connected respectively with lugs 32 and 33 by means of pins 35 and 36. These links are shaped as shown in Figure 5l, one end of each being forked asindicated at 38. When in the fully collapsed position the connecting portion 39 of the forks may engage the sleeve as shown in Figure 2.

It will be noted by inspection of Figure 1 that the lower fork ends of the links are arranged in the recesses or sockets 45 of the sleeve 35. It will be further noted, see Figures 2 and 3, that each link is provided with a pair of projections 4l one on each opposite side, which projections are disposed in close proximity to the lugs 32. The projections cooperate with the lugs or other means on the leaves as stops to prevent collapse of the leaves to non-anchoring position if for any reason the pin 35 fails. Likewise if the pins 35 fail, the socketed relation of the lower ends of the link with the sockets 40 of the sleeve 3D will prevent this collapse, it being understood of course that when the device is in use, there is a force acting on the guy rod in direction of the arrow F, Figure 3, tending to hold the sleeve 38 with its upper end abuttingly engaging the lugs 2|22. With one end of each link arranged between lugs 32 to prevent lateral motion of the link, and with the fork 38 straddling the sleeve 35 or any equivalent device on the rod, to prevent lateral motion of the link at that point, and with the lugs 4l and the socketed ends of the forks acting to sustain the thrust, the links will positively remain in a position to prevent collapse of the leaves, even if the pins should fail.

In order to hold the parts in the collapsed positions shown in Figures 1 and 2, so that the device can be introduced into an opening in the ground without spreading the leaves, the leaves are provided with pairs of marginal openings through each pair of which is passed a wire 46 having its ends merely bent over as shown at 41 to temporarily but releasab-ly secure the leaves in the position sho-Wn. After the device is in the ground, and upon applying force in the direction of the arrow G, against the slide 5, the leaves are forced apart, against the relatively slight opposing action of the bent-over portions 41 of the Wires 46.

The device of this invention can be virtually constructed entirely by casting, even to the coring of the various openings for the reception of the pins, trunnions, etc. Practically the only machining operation is the cutting of the screw viding a sleeve-like terminal 5l slidable on the rod and a second outer sleeve-like terminal 52 through which the end 53 of an auxiliary guy rod 55 is engaged. The end 53 is threaded and nut 55 secures the auxiliary guy rod which has the eye 55. rThe upper surface of the element 55 has a reenforcing rib 59 connecting the sleevelike terminal elements 5|-52.

It will be noted that this connector element is slidable on the rod and that it is interposed and operably held between the sleeve 33 and the stop nut 4. The connector can be quickly assembled.

Another feature relates tothe construction of the leaves giving a relatively large anchoring surface with the facility to dig into the ground, when moved from the position shown in Figure 1 to that shown in Figure 3.

First referring to plan, Figure 4: It is noted that Veach leaf is of substantial width in direction of its pivotal axis, and that the outer or cutting edge has substantially the form of a Tiri semi-circle. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, it is noted that each leaf has longitudinally, a reverse curvature. The top or outer surface of each leaf nearest its pivotal point is convexly curved as at 6 I, while the outer part is rather abruptly concavely curved as at 62. Each leaf is in addition transversely concave at the inner side as at 63, the outer side of course being correspondingly transversely convexly curved. The various curves including the edge E3, the abrupt curve E2 and transverse curvature 53 facilitates entry of the blades into the earth. By forcing the slide 5 downwardly after the anchor device has been placed in a hole in the ground, the leaves are forced outwardly, the rounded cutting edges entering the earth, the entry being facilitated by the means above referred to.

Among other things, I believe myself the first to have trunnions of different leaves operative in the same bearing, and also the first to provide means for preventing collapse of the leaf hold means in case of pin failure. Although the details of construction are claimed, other claims connoting ideas of means broader than mere details are included.

I claim as my invention:

1. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod, means movable thereon and having a pair of bearings, two anchor leaves each having two trunnions one operatively but detachably engaged in each bearing, the trunnions being engageable with or disengageable from the bearings by axial motions, and means for causing the leaves to spread to anchoring position as the movable means is translated on the rod.

2. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod, a slide thereon and having a pair of bearings diametrically related and axially aligned one at each opposite side of the rod, two anchor leaves each having two trunnions one operatively but detachably engaged in each bearing, the trunnions being engageable with or disengageable from the bearings by axial motions respectively in opposite directions, and means for causing the leaves to spread to anchoring position as the slide is translated on the rod.

3. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod, a slide thereon and having a pair of bearings diametrically reiated and axially aligned one at each opposite side of the rod, anchor leaves each having two trunnions one voperatively but detachably engaged with each bearing, the trunnions of each leaf being engageable with or disengageable from the bearings by axial motions, and means for causing the leaves to spread to anchoring position as the slide is translated on the rod.

4. A device of the class described comprising, a guy rod, a slide on the rod having bearings, leaves adapted when spread to act as an anchor, each leaf having a pair of trunnions, one engaged wit each bearing, said bearings being so arranged that the trunnions can be engaged therewith by motion in an axial direction, means for preventing accidental disengagement of the trunnions from the bearings, and means for causing the leaves to spread to anchoring position as the slide is translated on the rod.

5. A device of the class described comprising, a guy rod, a slide on the rod having bearings, leaves adapted when spread to act as an anchor, each leaf having a pair of trunnions on-e engaged with each bearing, said bearings being so arranged that the trunnions can be engaged therewith by motion in an axial direction, means in part carried by the slide and in part carried by the leaves for preventing disengagement of the trunnions from the bearings, after swinging of the leaves following operative engagement of said trunnions with said bearings, and means for causing the leaves to spread to anchoring position as the slide is translated on the rod.

6. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod, a slide thereon having a pair of bearings diametrically related and axially aligned one at each opposite side of the rod, anchor leaves each having two trunnions one operatively engaged with each bearing, the trunnions of each leaf being engageable with or disengageable from the bearings by axial motions, means in part carried by the slide and in part carried by each leaf for preventing accidental disengagement of the trunnions from the bearings following operative engagement of the trunnions with said bearings, and means for causing the leaves to spread as the slide is translated on the rod.

7. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod, a slide thereon having a pair of bearings diametrically related and axially aligned one at each opposite side of the rod, anchor leaves each having two trunnions one operatively engaged with each bearing, the trunnions of each leaf being engageable with or disengageable from the bearings by axial motions, means in part carried by the slide and in part carried by each leaf for preventing accidental'disengagement of the trunnions from the bearings after'swinging of the leaf from arposition which it never thereafter occupies when the device is in use, and means for causing the leaves to spread as the slide is translated onl the rod.

8. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod, a slide on the rod, leaves and means pivoting the leaves to the slide, means adapting the leaves to spread when the slide is trans- 40 lated on the rod including, a sleeve on the rod, a stop for limiting movement of the sleeve in a direction of sliding movement of the slide, said sleeve having sockets, links having fork elements straddling the sleeve and pivoted thereto by pins, i5 and having a thrust relation with the sockets, pins connecting the links between lugs on the leaves and stops on the links cooperative with the lugs and adapted in conjunction with the socketthrust relations ofthe fork elements to prevent collapse of the leaves to non-anchoring position if the pins fail while the leaves are in anchoring position.

9. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod and a slide thereon, anchor leaves and means pivoting them to the slide, a sleeve slidable upon the rod, a stop for limiting movement of the sleeve in a direction of leaf-spreading movement of the slide, said sleeve having sockets, links having fork elements straddling the sleeve and pivoted thereto by pins, and having thrust relations with the sockets, pins connecting the links between lugs on the leaves and stops on the links cooperative with the lugs and adapted in conjunction with the socket thrust relations of the fork elements, to prevent collapse of the leaves to non-anchoring position if the pins fail While the leaves are in anchoring position.

10. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod, a slide thereon having a pair of bearings, anchor leaves each having two trunnions one operatively but detachably engaged with each bearing the trunnions of each-leaf being engageable with or disengageable from the bearings by axial motion respectively in opposite directions,

a sleeve slidable upon the rod, a stop for limiting movement of the sleeve in direction of the leaf-spreading movement of the slide, said sleeve having sockets, links having fork elements straddling the sleeve and pivoted thereto by pins and'having thrust relations with the sockets, pins connecting the links between lugs on the leaves, stops on the links cooperative with the lugs and adapted in conjunction with the socket thrust connection of the fork elements to prevent collapse of the leaves to non-anchoring position if the pins fail while the leaves are in anchoring position.

l1. A device of the class described comprising, a guy rod and a slide thereon having bearings, anchor leaves having trunnions journaled in the bearings with the trunnions spaced and arranged to allow detachment from the bearings by motion in an axial direction, a sleeve slidable upon the rod, a stop for limiting movement of the sleeve in the direction of leaf-spreading movement of the slide, links, and means pivotally connecting the links to the sleeve and leaves to adapt the leaves to be spread when the slide is translated.

12. A device of the class` described comprising, a guy rod and a slide thereon having two bearings, anchor leaves each having two trunnions, one detachably engaged in each bearing, and connecting means between the rod and leaves adapting the leaves to'be spread when the slide is translated.

13. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod, a slide thereon having a pair of bearings, anchor leaves each having two trunnions one operatively but detachably engaged with each bearing the trunnions of each leaf being engageable with or disengageable from the bearings by axial motion respectively in opposite directions, means for preventing accidental disengagement of the trunnions from the bearings, a sleeve slidable upon the rod, a stop for limiting movement of the sleeve in direction of leafspreading movement of the slide, links and means pivoting them to the sleeve and leaves adapting said leaves to be spread when the slide is translated.

14. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod, a slide on the rod, leaves which are adapted when spread to act as an anchor, means pivoting the leaves to the slide, means adapting the leaves to spread to anchoring position as the slide is translated on the rod, including a sleeve on the rod, links connecting the sleeve and leaves, a stop on the rod for limiting movement of the sleeve in the direction of translation of the slide when acting to spread the leaves to anchoring position and a connector element adapted to secure an auxiliary guy rod, and slidable on the rod and interposed and operably held between said sleeve and said stop.

15. A device of the class described comprising, a guy rod and a slide thereon having bearings, anchor leaves having trunnions journaled in the bearings with the trunnions spaced and arranged to allow detachment from the bearings by movement in an axial direction, and connecting means between the rod and the leaves adapting the leaves to be spread when the rod is translated.

16. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod and a slide thereon having two bearings, anchor leaves each having two trunnions, one engaged in each bearing, and detachable by motion in an axial direction and connecting means between the rod and leaves adapting the leaves to be spread when the slide is translated.

17. A device of the class described comprising a guy rod and a slide thereon having two bearings, anchor leaves each having two trunnions, one detachably engaged in each bearing, and detachable by motion in an axial direction, after a predetermined Vdegree of rotative motion of the leaves, and connecting means between the rod and leaves adapted to spread when the rod is translated.

CLYDE L. EMRY. 

